Page 147 of Caged

Looking at the purple ribbon tied in a bow around Elena’s pigtails, I pull one of them.

“Hey!” she exclaims as I take it between my fingers.

“I’ll use this.”

I wish I had a picture of the elation on her face right now.

“You’re asking her right now?” She claps and squeals excitedly.

“Shh, we need to surprise her.”

Pushing myself up off the couch, she holds my hand and I guide us up the stairs.

“Finally! I was starting to think you didn’t want to help me.” Mila says as I open up the door to our bedroom.

She turns to face me with a beautiful smile, but then raises an eyebrow.

“Why do you both look guilty?”

She steps toward us, pulling her black robe tighter.

God, I can’t wait to rip that off of her.

Fiddling with the ribbon in my hands, Elena tugs on my other.

“Daddy has something to ask you, Mila.”

“The last time you two came up with a plan it involved asking me out on a date.” She taps her chin.

Ahh. That’s where Elena got it from.

Mila looks between me and Elena.

“Are you going to tell me, princesochka?”

Mila rushes over, picking Elena up into her arms and tickling her. Elena’s hysterical giggles fill the room and I take my opportunity.

This is the life I will fight to the death for.

They are mine to love and protect, forever.

SIXTY-THREE

MILA

They’re definitely up to something.

Elena’s high pitched laughter warms my heart. I never anticipated having a home with kids or a family.

I never knew it was something I craved until these two beautiful people entered into my life.

And now I want more.

I want everything and I want to stay forever.

I almost feel dizzy spinning her around.

“Okay, okay. I’ll tell you,” Elena says breathlessly as I playfully drop her onto the bed.

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